All the Colors of the Dark
by Chris Whitaker
Contents
Chapter 246
Overview
Grace Falls is locked down as state troopers, local police, and the FBI launch a full search for a wanted killer. The operation turns the town volatile, with frightened residents arming themselves, and Katie Mitcham’s cool denial at the diner suggests that the authorities may not get easy cooperation from locals.
Summary
Law enforcement floods Grace Falls. Alabama State Troopers move from house to house with photographs, check garages, and block the town’s two roads while waiting for Dallas County officers. FBI agents from Birmingham join the operation, and heavy rain turns the search into a muddy, tense sweep.
When the officers reach Main Street, they divide into four teams and try to keep order. Their presence only agitates the town further, and frightened locals head home to collect shotguns and wait out both the weather and the manhunt.
At the Moon Under Water Diner, the troopers find waitress Katie Mitcham behind the building, finishing her shift with coffee and a cigarette. State Trooper Sadler shows Katie a photograph of the man they are hunting and says he is a murderer.
Katie responds with amused detachment, first calling the man in the photograph good-looking. Sadler grows increasingly irritated by Katie’s attitude, but Katie finally studies the picture and denies having seen anyone like him, leaving the search with no help from her.
Who Appears
- Katie MitchamMoon Under Water Diner waitress who coolly denies recognizing the wanted man.
- State Trooper SadlerTrooper leading questioning at the diner; frustrated by Katie’s amused, unhelpful response.
- PatchWanted man in the photograph; the target of the townwide search though unseen here.